How can any plant lover not fall in love with bromeliads? They are easy to care for, multiply easily, and they offer a wonderful array of colors. The vibrant hues are unlike any other in nature. Some bromeliads are so showy that you'd think they were spray painted with such magnificent bright color. Bromeliads are striking in gardens, indoors, driftwood arrangements, and attached on trees. Many bromeliad enthusiasts get the "bug", you just can't have enough and you always need "just one more." Thank goodness for all the local bromeliad societies; you can buy, trade, and enjoy the company of wonderful bromeliad experts. If you'd like to find a society in your area, please visit www.bsi.org and www.fcbs.org

If you're new to bromeliads, here are some tips to help you get started:
( Also, don't forget to visit BromChat ) 
The potting media for bromeliads must be exceptionally well draining. There are several types of material that are preferable for these epiphytic plants. The mixture should have enough substance to hold the plant upright. A nice medium can consist of: 1/3 peat, 1/3 perlite, and  1/3 bark. You can also use treefern fiber, coarse granite chicken grit, combined with Canadian or German peat- the combination should be 1/3 of each.  When planting, the base of the bromeliad should not be set any deeper than the surface of the mixture. If you need to help stand it, you can use a bamboo stick or wooden splint until the bromeliad grows sufficient roots to hold itself up. NEVER USE COPPER OR GALVANIZED WIRE! It will kill your bromeliad! 

When it comes to watering bromeliads, you're better off staying on the drier side. Too much water can cause it to rot. The center cup should always hold fresh water. Generally, the roots can be watered once a week. Bromeliads do not like to sit in saucer full of water, use a pot with good drainage so that the roots can breathe and dry out between waterings.  *Tip: When planting bromeliads outdoors, you may want to try and pot it with the pot. This comes in handy when you want to flush out old water and replace with clean water. Also, if you live in an area where there are cold winters, you can conveniently bring them into your home and place them back in their spot in the spring. 

If you're going to fertilize, do not put any fertilizer in the cup. Any good fertilizer may be used during the spring and summer months. Use it lightly, or your bromeliad may lose it's color. When too much fertilizer is used, the plant turns green and the color will not return until the fertilizer wears off. To be on the safe side, use 1/2 the strengh recommended and your bromeliad will thrive nicely.  

Light is very important for bromeliads, as for any other plant in nature. Always ask when you buy a bromeliad, what kind of light exposure is required. Generally, if you place it in a shaded area, where it gets morning sun and / or afternoon sun, then it should do very well. Make sure not to plant it in an area where it gets full sun exposure all day, or hot middle afternoon sun exposure, because it can scorch the leaves. If that should happen, don't worry, because bromeliads are very generous and you'll soon have pups to plant elsewhere or you can leave them with the mother plant and it will form a nice cluster. Scorched leaves can be cut in the same shape as the other leaves, and with a little dab of aloe vera on the cut foliage (prevents brown tips) it'll look good as new!

If you're using bromeliads indoors, you can display them near a window where it gets a few hours of light exposure to ensure permanent foliage color. If your bromeliad is not getting adequate sun light exposure, it will let you know: Too much light, and the leaves will look bleached. Too much shade, and the foliage will lose it's color and turn a dark green. This is applicable to outdoor bromeliads as well.